ROBERT L LANGFORD III
Perrysburg,OH
Summary
Results-oriented professional with extensive experience in cross-departmental collaboration and stakeholder engagement focused on infrastructure investments. Led initiatives requiring coordination among engineering teams, local governments, and regulatory bodies, ensuring alignment with corporate planning and budget cycles. Developed and implemented scalable communication strategies to enhance transparency and execution consistency across various projects. Leveraged strong experience in project delivery and technical execution to drive outcomes in complex environments.
Overview
23
23
years of professional experience
Work History
Regional External Affairs Consultant
FirstEnergy
Toledo, USA
04.2022 - 04.2025
- Led cross-departmental collaboration with business units, engineering, local government, and regulatory stakeholders to support infrastructure investments and strategic initiatives.
- Served as a primary liaison for enterprise-wide initiatives, coordinating feedback, clarifying goals, and building consensus among technical and non-technical teams.
- Translated strategic objectives into operational projects, guiding development and implementation across internal systems.
- Developed scalable communication strategies to improve transparency, team alignment, and regional execution consistency.
Leader, Field Engineering
NiSource
Columbia, USA
01.2016 - 01.2022
- Company Overview: Columbia Gas of Ohio
- Managed large-scale engineering operations and project delivery teams responsible for critical infrastructure upgrades in Northern Ohio.
- Created and managed long-term roadmaps for asset modernization and internal tooling improvements, aligning project goals with corporate planning and budget cycles.
- Built collaborative partnerships with operations, procurement, and vendors to streamline workflows, improve efficiency, and reduce project delays.
- Mentored engineering staff and fostered a growth culture centered on accountability, empowerment, and technical excellence.
- Columbia Gas of Ohio
Field Engineer I / Technician
NiSource
Columbia, USA
01.2007 - 01.2015
- Company Overview: Columbia Gas of Ohio
- Led the execution of capital projects ranging from $2–$4M annually, managing stakeholder communication, field engineering, and vendor performance.
- Introduced systemized workflows to improve project tracking, resource allocation, and regulatory compliance.
- Developed relationships with cross-agency partners to secure permits, align on technical specs, and resolve field challenges collaboratively.
- Columbia Gas of Ohio
Marketing Manager
DP Design & Print / NW Ohio Black Chamber of Commerce
01.2005 - 01.2007
- Directed communications and brand alignment across partner organizations; managed external relationships and developed internal operational improvements.
Guest Service Manager
Target Corporation
01.2002 - 01.2005
- Managed team logistics, shift coordination, and performance development for 30+ employees; reinforced a customer- and operations-focused mindset.
Education
MBA - Leadership
Tiffin University
Tiffin, OH12-2014
Bachelor of Science - Mechanical Engineering
Ohio University
Athens, OH06-2001
Skills
- Engineering Team Leadership & Mentorship
- Strategic Program & Roadmap Development
- Cross-Functional Collaboration & Delivery
- Infrastructure Systems & Process Optimization
- Stakeholder & Government Relations
- Internal Tooling & Workflow Improvement
- Technical Project Execution & Resource Management
- Regulatory Strategy & Partner Alignment
- Inclusive Leadership & Team Development
- Data-Driven Decision-Making
- Project Planning Tools
- Microsoft Office Suite
- Salesforce CRM
Professional Memberships
- American Association of Blacks in Energy (AABE), Member, 2008-2022
- National Society of Black Engineers, Chapter President, 1999-2001
- Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., VP, 2009-2011
- Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Member, 2002-Present
Technologies And Systems
- Project Planning Tools
- Microsoft Office Suite
- Salesforce CRM
- AutoCAD MAP 3D
- ArcGIS
- SynerGEE Gas
Leadership And Community Engagement
- Chair, 2025 Toledo Heart Walk, Leading $350K+ campaign through strategic planning and partner coordination
- Board Member, American Heart Association, 2023-Present
- President, NiSource L.E.A.D. ERG, 2013-2017, Promoted employee development and equity initiatives
- Diversity Co-Lead, Columbia Gas of Ohio, 2011-2013, 2018-2020
- Ministry Leader, Friendship Baptist Church, Director of Youth and Children’s Programs, 2008-2012
- Board Member, Western Toledo Preparatory Academy, Huron Sports Academy, Northwest State Foundation
Affiliations
- Graphic Designer
- Certified Personal Trainer
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Regional External Affairs Consultant
FirstEnergy
04.2022 - 04.2025
Leader, Field Engineering
NiSource
01.2016 - 01.2022
Field Engineer I / Technician
NiSource
01.2007 - 01.2015
Marketing Manager
DP Design & Print / NW Ohio Black Chamber of Commerce
01.2005 - 01.2007
Guest Service Manager
Target Corporation
01.2002 - 01.2005
MBA - Leadership
Tiffin University
Bachelor of Science - Mechanical Engineering
Ohio University
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